(11/P69) TRENTON - Statewide greenhouse gas emissions decreased by more than 8 percent in 2008, bringing New Jersey under 2020 emissions levels targeted by the State's Global Warming Response Act, according to a legislatively mandated report issued by the DEP today.

The "Statewide Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory for 2008'' shows 124.9 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (MMTCO2E) generated in New Jersey in 2008. That was down from 135.9 MMTCO2E in 2007 and is below the 2020 target of 125.6 MMTCO2E.

According to the report, the top three causes of greenhouse gas emissions are transportation, electricity generation and combined fossil fuel use in residential, commercial and industrial sectors. Emissions resulting from transportation accounted for the highest portion, or 40 percent of 2008 greenhouse gas; electricity generation caused 24 percent of greenhouse emissions; and combined residential, commercial and industrial factors accounted for about 30 percent.

Accounting for the biggest reduction in 2008 is the electricity sector which declined by 5.6 MMTCO2E. Transportation emissions declined by 2.3 MMTCO2E, the largest decline in that sector since 1992.

The Statewide Greenhouse Gas Inventory for 2008 is a biennial report that is required under New Jersey's Global Warming Response Act, which was enacted in 2007. The report presents data for 2008 and compares emissions to 2007 levels, and the 2020 and 2050 Statewide limits established by the Act.